17 Terrarium-Friendly Plants That’ll Flourish in Your Glass Garden
This post may contain affiliate links.
Making a terrarium is more than just gardening; it’s creating a mini world. These self-contained ecosystems bring a slice of nature into your home and are ideal for small spaces.
The trick to a thriving terrarium is all about the right plants, so here are 18 terrarium-friendly plants that look beautiful, are super durable, and have the most personality.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Nothing brings bold texture to a space than the Bird’s Nest Fern. Its broad, wavy fronds grow very slowly, so it’s perfect for terrariums that require a statement plant.
This plant loves moisture, so your closed terrarium will be pure heaven. Put it in indirect light to keep those fronds looking lush and fresh.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Need some vertical charm? Its small, tall strands of fronds give the Lemon Button Fern height, which adds a great layered aspect to grow in a terrarium.
It’s low maintenance, endlessly elegant, and perfect for beginner plant parents.
Spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana)
The terrarium’s carpet comes in this lush, creeping plant, hugging the base with vibrant mossy greenery. You will find that it’s a fast-growing plant so it’s absolutely great to add a nice dense magical feel to your mini forest.
If you keep it consistently moist, it will reward you with a very thriving, moss-like spread.
Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
For patterned leaves which pop, Rex Begonia is your answer. These little gems (compact and slow growing) bring drama and color to terrariums without taking up too much space. With the intricate leaf designs they have, they make them look like piece of living art.
Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata)
The spotted showstopper will give some personality to any terrarium. Rapid growth and bold foliage make it the plant equivalent of wearing polka dots to a party: attention-grabbing but never overdone. It does love bright indirect light and a good misting.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Want to add some drama? Fittonia boastily possesses leaves with vividly veined foliage that snap with color, ranging from electrifying pinks to rich reds.
For any terrarium, they’re the ultimate mood booster. If they’re thirsty, they’ll “faint” (droop) but bounce back fast with a drink of water…how relatable is that?
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Perfect for anyone wanting to add a bit of wildness, it is a fast-growing plant that creeps and climbs every surface to cover your terrarium with lovely, vibrant green leaves. If you want a more natural ‘overgrown’ look, watch it climb up the sides of your terrarium.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
The terrarium floor is enhanced with its tiny, rounded leaves. It has the look of a fluffy green cloud that fills gaps very nicely with soft, dreamy vibes. For best growth, keep it in a humid space.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka Dot Plants have colorful speckles in shades of pink, white and red and bring a playful energy to your setup. It’s very low maintenance, and nothing else quite draws the eye like it.
Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus)
This small but mighty bromeliad has star-shaped leaves with spiky textures. Its vibrant colour makes edgy contrast to softer plant in the terrarium. Apply it as the focal point to have biggest impact.
Syngonium
Syngoniums offer funky leaf shapes and bold colors, which makes it a versatile choice. If you are a terrarium lover, you can rely on its vining habit and easy care for a pop of personality. In smaller terrariums, it is important to keep it tidy by trimming it regularly.
Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
This is perfect for the small terrariums. The variety of its textured, rippled leaves in rich green to deep burgundy helps to add dimension to your setup. Don’t worry if your fur baby is a curious one; it’s pet-friendly!
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
The leaves of this stunning tropical plant fold back at night like it’s ‘praying’. But it’s a delight to watch because it’s got colorful patterns and movement. If you need a dash of intrigue in a larger terrarium, this is perfect.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamin)
Miniature forest vibes? Yes, please. This tree-like plant comes in a dwarf version and it looks great, adding height and structure to create the illusion of a little woodland in your terrarium. Layer it with moss or ferns for an oh-so-magical look!
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Expect this fast-growing vine to easily cascade over your terrarium’s edges or climb its walls, featuring wild beauty. Easy peasy – it thrives in medium levels of humidity, as well as indirect light.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants have long, arching leaves that adorn terrariums nicely, and that also purify the air. They also have small offshoots that can be replanted for just a bit more greenery.
Echeveria (For Open Terrariums)
Open terrariums that facilitate airflow are a wonderful home for rosette-shaped succulents like Echeveria. They work wonderfully to create structure and color in a sunny place. Succulents love dry feet, so use sandy soil and water sparingly!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Get Burnt Smell Out Of The House Fast
Burnt smells in the house can be unpleasant and linger for quite some time. Whether it’s due to a cooking mishap or an electrical issue, addressing the problem as soon as possible is important to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment.
